Which dog breeds stay small?
Small dog breeds correspond to an animal weighing between 1 and 10 kg maximum. There are many advantages to having a small dog, such as a reduced food budget or easy transport in a handbag!
List of small dog breeds
Here is a list of 21 small dog breeds, ranked in ascending order of weight. To guide you in your selection, we have indicated important criteria such as life expectancy, hypoallergenic dog breeds (i.e., those whose hair does not cause allergies), and existing points of vigilance regarding common health problems in certain breeds.
1. Chihuahua
Considered the smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua originates from Mexico. This small dog breed has a fearless, loyal, and very protective personality towards its owner. It can be lively and curious.
- Size: 16 to 21 cm
- Weight: 0.8 to 3 kg
- Life expectancy: 14 to 18 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: patellar luxation, bone fragility, cold sensitivity, dental problems.
2. Russkiy Toy
Originally from Russia, this small dog breed was long unknown. Lively, joyful, and very intelligent, the Russkiy Toy is extremely attached to its owner. It is also active and loves to play despite its tiny size.
- Size: 20 to 28 cm
- Weight: 1 to 3 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: limb fragility, dental problems, cold sensitivity.
3. Pomeranian (Dwarf Spitz)
Originally from Germany, specifically the Pomerania region, the Pomeranian resembles a plush toy. It is a dog breed that remains small. Lively and courageous, it sometimes barks a lot to try to compensate for its small size with great confidence.
- Size: 18 to 22 cm
- Weight: 2 to 3 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, dental problems.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Originally from England, this terrier was initially used to hunt rats in mines. It is a courageous, dynamic, and very affectionate dog, sometimes stubborn but very alert.
- Size: 18 to 23 cm
- Weight: 2 to 3.2 kg
- Life expectancy: 13 to 16 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes (minimal shedding)
- Vigilance: dental problems, patellar luxation, eye conditions.
5. Papillon (Continental Toy Spaniel)
Recognizable by its butterfly-shaped ears, this Franco-Belgian breed is one of the most intelligent among small dogs. Very playful, the Papillon is easy to train and very sociable.
- Size: 20 to 28 cm
- Weight: 2.5 to 4.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy.
6. Maltese Bichon
The Maltese Bichon is an ancient companion dog originating from the Mediterranean basin. This dog breed remains small and is characterized by its very gentle, affectionate, and calm nature. The Maltese Bichon is renowned for its intelligence and great sociability with all family members.
- Size: 20 to 25 cm
- Weight: 3 to 4 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: eye problems, patellar luxation, dental problems.
7. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is the perfect mix for those looking for a small dog with a gentle and playful temperament. It is very close to its owners, but be careful, it tolerates prolonged solitude quite poorly. It is often chosen for its low-shedding coat.
- Size: 20 to 30 cm
- Weight: 3 to 7 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: patellar luxation, dental problems, and sometimes skin sensitivities.
8. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher, or "monkey dog", originates from Germany. This small terrier is courageous and audacious. It is very attached to its family, curious, but can be a bit stubborn during training.
- Size: 25 to 30 cm
- Weight: 3 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes (minimal shedding)
- Vigilance: patellar luxation, respiratory problems due to its morphology.
9. Havanese Bichon
Originally from Cuba, the Havanese Bichon is intelligent, playful, and easy to train. It is very sociable and gets along well with other animals and humans.
- Size: 21 to 29 cm
- Weight: 3 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: patellar luxation, cataracts.
10. Australian Terrier (Silky Terrier)
The Australian Terrier is the cousin of the Yorkshire Terrier. Lively, alert, and very affectionate with its owners, it is courageous and determined.
- Size: 23 to 26 cm
- Weight: 3.5 to 5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: skin allergies, patellar luxation.
11. Bolognese Bichon
A member of the Bichon family, originating from Italy, the Bolognese Bichon is known for its calm, reserved, and very faithful temperament. Less nervous than other small dogs, it is a very pleasant life companion.
- Size: 25 to 30 cm
- Weight: 4 to 5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: dental problems, patellar luxation.
12. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle, originally from France, is the smallest variety of the Poodle family. It is an extremely intelligent dog, easy to train, dynamic, and very attached to its surroundings.
- Size: 24 to 28 cm
- Weight: 4 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy: 14 to 17 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: epilepsy, eye problems, patellar luxation.
13. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a dog breed that remains small. Of English origin, it is robust and full of life. It is very close to humans, making it an excellent family companion.
- Size: 25 to 26 cm
- Weight: 4.5 to 5.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: heart problems, patellar luxation.
14. Norwich Terrier
Very similar to the Norfolk Terrier, it originates from the city of Norwich in England. This small dog breed is robust, courageous, affectionate, very active, and requires gentle and positive training.
- Size: 25 to 26 cm
- Weight: 5 to 5.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: respiratory problems (soft palate), patellar luxation.
15. Bichon Frise
This Franco-Belgian breed is known for its cheerful and playful temperament. The Bichon Frise is very sociable and adapts easily to apartment living.
- Size: 25 to 30 cm
- Weight: 5 to 6 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: eye problems, patellar luxation, skin allergies.
16. Shih Tzu
An ancient breed originating from Tibet, the Shih Tzu is the quintessential companion dog. It is proud, gentle, affectionate, but sometimes a bit stubborn.
- Size: up to 27 cm
- Weight: 5 to 7 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: brachycephalic dog (flat nose), respiratory problems, eye problems, patellar luxation.
17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Originally from England, the Cavalier King Charles is the ultimate companion dog. It is renowned for its exceptional gentleness, calm nature, and constant need for human presence.
- Size: 30 to 33 cm
- Weight: 5.5 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy: 9 to 14 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: cardiomyopathy, syringomyelia, eye problems.
18. Cairn Terrier
A robust dog originating from Scotland, originally used for hunting in cairns (piles of stones). It is very intelligent, curious, and full of energy, perfect for active families.
- Size: 28 to 31 cm
- Weight: 6 to 7.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: eye problems, hip dysplasia.
19. Coton de Tuléar
Originally from Madagascar, the Coton de Tuléar owes its name to its cottony coat. This dog breed that remains small is very affectionate, intelligent, and calm. It is an easy-going companion dog that adores its owners.
- Size: 25 to 32 cm
- Weight: 6 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Vigilance: eye problems, patellar luxation.
20. Pug
Originally from China, the Pug is a companion dog with a cheerful, charming, and balanced temperament. It is very calm, but requires special attention due to its morphology and flat nose.
- Size: 30 to 35 cm
- Weight: 6 to 8 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: brachycephalic (flat nose), respiratory difficulties, eye problems, dermatitis.
21. Boston Terrier
Nicknamed the "American Gentleman," the Boston Terrier is an affectionate, intelligent, and easy-going small dog breed. It is an excellent companion dog!
- Size: 25 to 40 cm
- Weight: 7 to 10 kg
- Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Vigilance: brachycephalic (flat nose), respiratory problems, cataracts, patellar luxation.
Small dog breeds: summary
| Breed | Average weight | Average size | Hypoallergenic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 0.8 to 3 kg | 16 to 21 cm | ❌ |
| Russkiy Toy | 1 to 3 kg | 20 to 28 cm | ❌ |
| Pomeranian | 2 to 3 kg | 18 to 22 cm | ❌ |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 2 to 3.2 kg | 18 to 23 cm | ✔️ |
| Papillon | 2.5 to 4.5 kg | 20 to 28 cm | ❌ |
| Maltese Bichon | 3 to 4 kg | 20 to 25 cm | ✔️ |
| Maltipoo | 3 to 7 kg | 20 to 30 cm | ✔️ |
| Affenpinscher | 3 to 6 kg | 25 to 30 cm | ✔️ |
| Havanese Bichon | 3 to 6 kg | 21 to 29 cm | ✔️ |
| Australian Terrier | 3.5 to 5 kg | 23 to 26 cm | ✔️ |
| Bolognese | 4 to 5 kg | 25 to 30 cm | ✔️ |
| Toy Poodle | 4 to 6 kg | 24 to 28 cm | ✔️ |
| Norfolk Terrier | 4.5 to 5.5 kg | 25 to 26 cm | ✔️ |
| Norwich Terrier | 5 to 5.5 kg | 25 to 26 cm | ✔️ |
| Bichon Frise | 5 to 6 kg | 25 to 30 cm | ✔️ |
| Shih Tzu | 5 to 7 kg | up to 27 cm | ✔️ |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 5.5 to 8 kg | 30 to 33 cm | ❌ |
| Cairn Terrier | 6 to 7.5 kg | 28 to 31 cm | ✔️ |
| Coton de Tuléar | 6 to 8 kg | 25 to 32 cm | ✔️ |
| Pug | 6 to 8 kg | 30 to 35 cm | ❌ |
| Boston Terrier | 7 to 10 kg | 25 to 40 cm | ❌ |
Calm and obedient small dog breeds: TOP 3
| Breed | Calmness Level | Ease of Training | Ideal for apartments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes |
| Toy Poodle | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes |
| Havanese Bichon | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes |
1. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It is often cited as the ideal companion because it primarily seeks to please its owner. You will appreciate its naturally gentle temperament! It responds very well to positive reinforcement, so be sure to have plenty of dog treats.
- Point of vigilance: requires particular attention to cardiac health.
2. The Toy Poodle
Far from the clichés of the little old lady's dog, the Toy Poodle is an intelligent and obedient small dog breed. It is lively but capable of great moments of calm. It is a dog that loves to learn and will amaze you with its abilities!
- Point of vigilance: requires regular coat grooming.
3. The Havanese Bichon
The Havanese is renowned for its joyful temperament. Unlike other small dog breeds that can be nervous, it possesses a great capacity for adaptation and marked emotional intelligence, which makes its training particularly smooth. It is a relatively calm dog indoors, always eager to please its owner.
- Point of vigilance: requires regular brushing to avoid knots and frequent ear checks (otitis).
How much does a small breed dog cost?
A small breed dog costs between €800 and €2,000. The price of a small dog varies depending on the breed, the breeder, and its pedigree.
To know the complete budget for a small breed dog, you must also take into account additional costs:
- food: kibble, homemade food, or BARF
- treats
- toys
- accessories: bed, brush, harness, leash, etc.
- veterinary fees: identification fees, sterilization, annual vaccinations, health check-up, accidents, etc.
The cost of Tomojo kibble for a small dog is between €0.85 and €1.21/day.
The price of dog food varies according to different criteria:
- the size of your dog: a small dog breed has reduced caloric needs compared to a large dog
- the size of the kibble bag: the larger the bag, the lower the price per kg
- the quality of the ingredients: insect kibble, kibble with or without grains, etc.
At Tomojo, our insect kibble recipes are formulated by veterinarians to meet the nutritional needs of your furry friends. We have also chosen ingredients from organic farming to offer the best to our furry companions.
As for treats, our MOUSH range meets the same criteria. You will love our heart-shaped dog treats! They are ideal for positive, benevolent training and for reinforcing your four-legged companion's good behaviors.